War Zone Diary

Posted: Monday, March 19, 2007 3:20 PM

By Richard Engel, Middle East bureau chief

You gotta love the names. They're so eager, earnest, and hopeful: Camp Prosperity, Camp Liberty, and Camp Victory are the names of just a few of the U.S. military bases in Baghdad.

But there are other names, other realities, in the ancient City of the Caliphs.

A few miles from Camp Prosperity is what some U.S. soldiers call the "Dora Killing Fields," a fetid trash dump where militias, insurgents, gangs, and anyone else with a grievance and a gun dispose of bodies, often discovered by little boys who play soccer there and little girls who tend goats.

Not far from the PX at Camp Victory, where soldiers can buy frozen vacuum-packed T-bone steaks flown in from the states and a Harley Davidson (which is pretty damn cool), there is a cozy little spot other soldiers call "Sniper Fields."

There are many faces of the war in Iraq and they have changed dramatically over time.

When I first arrived in Baghdad in January 2003, I thought I would soon rent a house and envisioned myself swimming in the Tigris to cool off after reporting in the city the caliphs called Madinit al-Salam, the City of Peace. A year later, I realized I wouldn't be taking any midnight dips— Madinat al-Salam no more. Now, I think I'll have to be lucky to walk away from this story without being injured or killed.

Click here to read the rest of Richard Engel's Reporter's Notebook about covering the war in Iraq for the last four years and to see excerpts from his upcoming the documentary "War Zone Diary." The complete documentary will air on Wednesday, March 21 at 10 p.m. on MSNBC TV.

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Comments

Should be mandatory viewing for all of america. I would like to hear what the White House has to say about the show. When the troops state that every country goes through a civil war and therefore they need to do the same hits the nail on the head. Outstanding viewing.

jason pare', rutland vermont (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:16 AM)

Richard, you're a bloody idiot. Of course US forces would fire on a sniper position. Do you think that they would let our troops get shot by a sniper if they could help it? You were in the wrong place. If you don't want to see war, then don't venture into it. It's "journalists" such as yourself that undermine efforts to save lives, and you undermine the efforts of the US Military. My opinion is that you are dangerously close to treason when you spew your anti-military propaganda. You and your kind will be the downfall of this nation, you filthy "journalist" pig. All you want is money, and the liberal media signs your paycheck. If you do not have respect for this country and its efforts, then you should not live here. Stay in Bagdad.

John, Atlanta (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:18 AM)

Truth in reporting, yeal right. I read the comments and see that you definitely pre-approved the comments. It never ceases to amaze me how journalist are given heroic accolades for being so incredibly stupid. I am retired military, and I know there have been mistakes made in this conflict. I do not know the nature of those mistakes, but I do know that there is no such animal as a “perfect” war. Innocent people are going to die, especially in a conflict in which the enemy could care less about the welfare of their own people much less that of their proclaimed enemy. Imagine if we had that same mentality. How many innocent lives would be taken then? I thank God that I live in America. I am proud to have served my country. I am proud in knowing that I played a part in preserving your right to print whatever your little heart desires, bias or not.

John Maak, San Antonio, TX (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:26 AM)

Dunno if a person's missing something way up here in Canada, but the first I've ever seen of Mr. Engels writing was today - and I read the MSN news daily, It was kind of surprising to find he's been writing for 4 years now and I've not seen a lot more of his articles - can it possibly be the news is filtered a bit as to what is published ?

Larry,Calgary Alberta (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:27 AM)

War is ugly as you have found out. This is what often makes people feel war is never necessary. Unfortunately, sometimes it is necessary and rarely goes as originally planned. Brave of you to have stuck it out that long. Our President gets a bum rap on this. He knows how ugly war is and gave this very serious thought before engaging in this conflict based on the information he had at the time. It's disingenous for people to think that the President was itching to go to war and was going to go to Iraq no matter what over oil or Halliburton. Perhaps some of the intel was wrong, but a President has to decide whether or not to act to protect the country based on the info he is provided. He decided the risks of doing nothing were too great. And once you commit, you're committed. It would have been easy to just pull out after Saddam was ousted and the intel was, in part, shown to be inaccurate, but it's just not that easy. We pulled out of Vietnam early rather than just letting the military do their job and defeat the communists. As a result, hundreds of thousands who thought we would protect them perished. I hope we don't make the same mistake in Iraq and Afghanistan. To show weakness in this conflict is to invite future unimaginable dangers upon our nation from numerous parts of the world.

Steve Robinson, Birdsboro, PA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:32 AM)

RICHARD!!!..how do you look so fresh and professional! your brutal openess follows the legion of reporters that have written the truth and also shown the truth through so many past bloody conflicts....i believe your eyes and mind are showing the stark reality of such a greedy, calculated takeover for the fields of dreams(oil) by this administration...and correct me if im wrong...but now i believe the oil shall be up for the payoffs to corporate bidding..and for the loss of all...iraq'is and our blood brother men and women who are lost forever....impeachment is necessary for bush and cheney....its about oil...PERIOD!!! please stay safe.....and you are a human treasure in your chosen field....as an american i can only say you are the eyes and mind of the common man....thanks...

john lucich jr (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:34 AM)

Maybe we should take back the tax breaks for the rich and let the folks that voted gop PAY FOR ALL OF THIS How the future will pay

dan holm wis (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:34 AM)

It is truly sad to see that you have focused all of your talents on the negative side of life. Countless positive things have blossomed from our Iraq situation, but you refuse to address even a shred of the truth. I understand that bad news sells, but that means you too have sold out. Whatever will make Richard a quick buck. Even if your book sells and turns the mind set of our people and we leave Iraq then in turn you will have contributed to the demise of the countless families you reported on while in Iraq. You dont think there might have been a nervous wife in one of those families praying that the Americans dont leave so they can continue to flourish as they are now. The nervous wives of Iraq are confused when they see such a large part of the United States that cares only about themselves and has no resolve to see anything through. How long are we going to be in Iraq? How long are we going to be in Japan, Germany, Korea, or anywhere else we have had troops for decades. I know we forget about all that. Lets just cut and run, thats what we do best now anyway. We dont care about anything or anyone so long as it doesnt impact our ability to get to work in the morning.

Jeffrey Coolidge, Fort Worth, Texas (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:36 AM)

Thank you, Richard, for bringing the REAL war to us. War is horrible and you've told the TRUTH! These are ugly memories and the sadness of this war, and every war, continues to ring true. There is nothing exciting or hopeful about war. It is brutal but unfortunately, never short. Kudos to you!!!

Lori Mello, Ferndale, Michigan (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:36 AM)

Mr. Engel, I have to call you that instead of Richard out of total respect as a journalist and person who made such sacrifice and commitment in the worst of situations. BRAVO-BRAVO-BRAVO on your war diaries. What a magnificant piece of journalism....professional, deeply personal to the extent of the loss of your marriage, tragic footage of the carnage of war, interesting beyond any war special I have ever seen and TOTALLY unique in your approach. I thank you for truth, commitment and the sacrifice you made during the making of the diary. You are a true credit to your profession and mankind at it's best. Respectfully, Glen Kirk.

Glen Kirk, Parkersburg, West Virginia (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:38 AM)

Richard, War is Hell. What did you expect to find? All war is horrible. Its' sole purpose is to kill people and break things. It is not over until you surrender or destroy your enemies ability or will to make war. The only thing worse than war are the consequences of never standing up to tyrants. (Think Hitler, Idi Amin, Khmer Rouge.) From World War I on War Correspondents have always been in mortal danger. A bullet or bomb does not know you are a journalist. It is a risk they accept when they volunteer for the assignment. All of this is horrible. It may shock socialites in the city but I do not understand why it is at all surprising to you.

Richard Sams, Atlanta GA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:40 AM)

WE SALUTE YOU MR. ENGEL and those like you! Before I begin, let us PRAY FOR ALL REPORTERS WHO DIED in their line of duty (Journalism). Sir You did more than a good job, you are tantamount to our soldiers on the battle field being in harms way, just like a Soldier. I don't have a "Purple Heart" or a "Congressional Medal Of Honor" to give you, but surely you are a true BLUE BLOODED YANKEE. Thanks for sharing your experiences in Iraq and elsewhere. PS: Remember that anonymous iraqi who shielded you from a barrage of cross fire and simply walked away never to be seen or thanked after that? We Americans also salute (Hugg) this beautifull stranger (Iraqi) who saved your life and the sanity of your loved ones. Yes, there are many GOOD IRAQI's and we must help and find them to secure their nations posterity in respect for U.S. and ALL HUMANITY. What a great story. G-d bless and HUGGS N KISSES TO ALL DA BROTHERS AND DA SITERS in Iraq and elsewhere forever. SHOLOM! :-).

Jacob Josevs, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:43 AM)

Engel you talk like the US is the enemy. You and the rest of these people are a bunch of cowards. In time,this war will prove to be one of the single greatest military achievments of the 21st century. The US and the entire world will be a safer place b/c of it. You all should be praising our president and our troops, not undermining them.

VIctoryMarch, Pittsburgh, PA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:48 AM)

You proved to Americans that there are Good Iraqi's and bad Iraqi's. You are a soldier of fortune indeed. Therefore WE SALUTE YOU SIR! And all those who died in the LINE OF REPORTING and in the line of duty via dedication for the job and love for Country, Family & Humanity & Life Itself!. Beautiful!

JOZEVZ, Brooklyn, New York (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 9:52 AM)

Richard, The bombings and behedings of even some of your collegues, this is what Gihad is heading for America, we had better wake up and learn more about Islam and how bloddy the Kuran is and how deeply they are taught to believe it and follow thru with the teachings in it. America had better quit sleeping and wake up or we will face this everyday terror her on our own soil!!! I LOVE AMERICA and I want my childeren to live in freedom and not the threat of being beheaded because they are not Muslim. I know that is what you faced everyday while you were there SCAREY isn't it.

Kellie, Chino, Ca (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:00 AM)

show that film to the dumbazz Bush and see what he feels what the iraqis felt about that idiot war ...!!!!

luigi (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:02 AM)

The ugliness in the world exists in all countries and with all political systems. In the case of Iraq the great ugliness lies in the corridors of the US White House. Self-indulgence, immoral invasion, illegal trespass, lies, deceptions, death and destruction for no discernable purpose, can all be placed at the feet of Mr. Bush. While Iraq is not the first nor will it be the last such action by a malevolent man, no leader and no nation has been so completely responsible for all the tragedy since Hitler and Germany began WWII.

Lee Delaney Las Vegas, NV (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:04 AM)

Richard I believe you do not just report the war. Your anti war bias shines through. As much as we want the troops home, we are there and there is no way to leave until We win. Pulling out now is not an option. If you check the history books you will see the Vietnamese generals credit their victory to the anti-war movement in the US

ken may boise (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:06 AM)

Mr. Engel. I watched your documentary three times last night and was totally captivated by the realness of what I was seeing. Row after row of mutilated bodies, orphaned children clinging to total strangers, the fear and helplessness in the eyes of the Iraqi people you spoke with. As some of my fellow commenters expressed, your documentary should be mandatory viewing for every politician in this country, our so-called President at the top of the viewing list. The sacrifices you have elected to endure - dissolution of your marriage, time away from family and friends - is an indication at least to myself of the total commitment you have to your profession. Without someone like yourself, we Americans would be left to form our views on this ungodly war solely on the lies and mistruths coming out of Washington and in particular, the deceitful diatribe spewing from the White House. I pray for everyone in Iraq - the children of that country who will NEVER be the same; the Iraqi men and women who have lost mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters; our soldiers who are performing their duties with every ounce of determination and strength they can muster; civilian personnel - reporters such as yourself, contractors who keep our military equipped with the necessities needed to perform their duties. In my opinion, we accomplished the mission in Iraq of our so-called President - Saddam Hussein is no more. It is now time for us to give Iraq back to the Iraqi people. Their future should be determined by themselves. We cannot stop the sectarian violence, the civil war raging in Iraq; that will have to be done by the people of Iraq. I applaud your efforts, your insight and your frank and open view into what our soliders and the Iraqi people face on a daily basis. I think the American people, people around the world for that matter, would love to see a weekly video report from you on the War and the unimaginable things occurring there. I don't recall who coined the phrase War Is Hell but no truer words have been spoken. Stay smart; stay safe and may the Good Lord bless and keep you.

Elizabeth, Phoenix, Arizona (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:09 AM)

I think with your knowledge and experience of things on the ground, the message must be clear to your government: get out of there and stop meddling in the region's affairs. But I doubt if they'll listen to it.

Taufeeq, Alkhobar, Saudi Arabia (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:12 AM)

Dear Richard, I am not sure what your personal or professional reasons are for being playing soldier-soldier. How silly you looked applying your war paint. Your investigative reporting should focus on the suffering of the Iraqi people. Its your duty to point out to the americans the effects of state sponsored terror, be it Saddams use of terror and torture or the the american use of illegal violence. I urge you to take more seriously your journalistic responsibilities. Is it any wonder that a majority of americans still believe that Saddam was complicit in the attacks on 9-11-01, given the failure of journalists such as yourself. Come home before you get yourself killed.

Barry Banks, RN (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:14 AM)

Richard, I watched your documentary with great sadness, but I watched it because I choose not to pretend that the war doesn't exist. It's too easy for us to forget what is happening to our brave men and women as well as the innocent people of Iraq. I am totally against what is going on and I will not let people tell me that I don't support the troups because I feel this way. I am a vet myself and I pray for our troups and the Iraqi people every day. Your documentary seemed so real and not "put on" as so many can be. Our troups are tough but they are still human beings and I believe that the mental affect for years to come will be far greater than anyone can imagine right now. I guess there are always going to be those who think of everything in black and white or all or nothing terms. I don't want just fluff, I want to know what really is happening-- the good and the bad. I hope you will deal with all of this in a healthy manner and not allow it to take you down, because trauma can do that. I wish you well and thank you very much for your committment to our troups and the people of Iraq.

Tracy, Baltimore, MD (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:16 AM)

It sounds like your doing more complaining then you are reporting. Try reporting about the good things that are happening instead of the negative. I have also been there, and there is no such thing as good when it comes to war, everyone understands that. We never get to hear about the good that came from the bad, only your complaining and misleading negative comments. Most of the people love and treat us like royalty for what we have done for them, i have seen it first hand. Maybe you have the wrong impression of war, but our coward enemies don't just walk out and let us win. It requires us to go in with force to complete the mission. Yelling and screaming like children doesn't ussually work very well when the enemy won't hesitate to kill americans. Airforce

nick skolmo toledo ohio (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:16 AM)

Richard, I don't know if it is P.C. for me to say I love you, but i do. I feel as though you are a member of my family and I pray for you and your co-workers. The documentary was brilliant, I watched it three times and I plan to record it. You have given up a lot to let us know the truth. You have done your part, no, more than your part. Now get your butt out of there and come home. We love you and want you home, safe and sound. Thank you for being what your are!

Glenn Harrington, San Antonio, Texas (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:17 AM)

Richard, thankyou so much for your bravery & honest reporting. It's sad that the media here in the states does such a horrible job on telling the truth. Your geopolitical overview is fantastic. I really think our elected officials should all have to spend a "tour of duty" over there, a few weeks on the streets would wake them up maybe. So much time has been wasted already. I cannot believe you have spent 4 years over there. You are a great asset to this country & the world. You are an angel with the kids too. Just can't thank you enough. Please stay safe. Bless you.

Sheri Patterson (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:17 AM)

Self grandizing, promotion and enrichment. Enbedded my a**.

Mark, Fullerton, California (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:24 AM)

While I am interested in your perspective you, and many other journalists, seem to be under the impression that you are somehow immune to danger in a war. That the combattants won't shoot you because you are a journalist. Not so and I am at a loss as to where you get this impression. I have seen journalists wander into the middle of fire fights with their little "Press" signs and just expect to be left alone. Nobody is immune. That's life. Don't go if you don't want what goes with it.

Roger Perkins (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:24 AM)

Dear Richard: I feel as if I'm your mother, and I can only imagine how your family worries. I worry about you as if I know you, perhaps because like most Americans, I don't have friends or family who are serving in Iraq. Your reporting on this war is a great service to our country, certainly equal to military service, not to take anything away from our fine troops. I think four years is a long enough deployment. I watched your video diary several times last night and will probably watch it several more times. As a news piece, it was enlightening, and as a personal journal, riveting. The comments from many of the soldiers indicate they aren't sure why they are still there. I note that other postings indicate that many people can't get MSNBC -- I think that NBC should air the show (at 10 PM of course) so that the non-cable news public can see what it has really been like in Iraq, over time, something that your show captured that can't be done on the Nightly News in two minutes segments. The program shared with the viewer a great deal of information, and footage, that America hasn't seen. It also showed us the human face of a shining young man going through it, a soldier with a camera instead of a gun, letting us in to see the ugly view from the ground. Especially wrenching was the story about your friend who almost deceived someone like you, who is familiar with the culture over there. Sadly, without your having to say so, this makes even clearer that there is no way to even define what would make 'success' happen in that country, and made it clearer yet that whatever success may be, it certainly will not be gained militarily. Congratulations on the best program MSNBC ever aired. Please take care of yourself.

Carole M., Fort Lauderdale, FL (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:28 AM)

Great job and some of the best information I have seen on the war. The perfect hair was a bit of a distraction. Even when it was "mussed" it was perfectly "mussed". Otherwise, great job.

Tom, Cleveland, OH (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:28 AM)

Richard, we appreciate your reporting. The sad part of all of this war is that Bush and Cheney lied to the American people to start this war and even sadder that the Democrats did not have the courage to speak up and equally as bad the military should have demanded that we have adequate troop strength before going in - three thousand plus American military personnel dead and their family's lives ruined for ever. Bush has always said that he wants Iraqie lives to be better - but what about the poor and elderly in America - the billions sent there would have made a whole lot of lives better here. We will lose because we the American people allowed our politicians to pursue in war without a moral foundation. Saddam Huessien was a bad person but that was an international issue not a Bush and Cheney issue solely.

Jim Weekley (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:28 AM)

You know, I am so tired of this type of reporting. Not the fact that you may be reporting actual accounts, but that the delivery of the accounts is one of shock and dismay. Well, war is not and never will be a good thing. People die, the innocent, the enenmy and patriots all die. Builings are destroyed, battles over a new politcal direction are always fought. This is no secret, so stop portraying war as a fair and civil action, for it is not. These brave men and women are fighting for a safe and just system in that country. They should be supported and given ever oppotunity to do the job, without a reporter critisizing their ever move, mistake, lose or victory. I am very proud to be an American, an American who love my country, my land and my fellow Americans. I also believe that people of the world should be offered a choice to have the same freedoms we enjoy, though often taken for granted,in this great country of ours.

Mick, Harrisburg, PA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:28 AM)

I look forward to the nightly news each evening to see that you are okay, I think what you are doing is very important, and after watching you show on MSNBC a few views that I had of the war have changed. I just wish you could be in the states a little longer before having to go back. However, when you do I will look forward to you report every night. Thank you for what you do. Denise Craig San Antonio, TX

Denise Craig San Antonio, TX (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:31 AM)

I have watched you on TV for four years and have yet to hear anything that anyone later disputed. Accuracy and courage define your actions. You have every right to be proud of your achievements. We are better for them even when they hurt.

Micheal G Groshong McMinnville, Oregon (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:32 AM)

Richard, In reference to the soldier you quoted on page 6 of your diary; I agree with that soldier. The media has done nothing to help the troops, except to take sides. It is irritating for most troops to hear congress and the media use troops as political leverage, far left anti-war internet websites, and critics distort death tolls to support their own agenda. I’ve been to Iraq twice. The first time in Kirkuk, when the war kicked off, and the second time in Balad in 2005. Both times were a different experience. But, I witnessed the progress, and asked the Iraqi people I met what they thought. Some were thankful for our presence, and some were confused, and could not understand why we are there. The media undermines our efforts to secure Iraq, and Iraq’s democracy, and to train Iraqi troops. Granted, the people of Iraq do need to step it up big time. But, we forget that those people lived under decades of the Saddam regime, and most Iraqis cannot fathom the idea of having the freedoms we take for granted. There is too much at stake to just withdraw. We need to finish the job.

Proud_SSgt, Connecticut (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:33 AM)

Have you ever thought about reporting the good things that have come from this war? I know there are many horrible things that have happened over there, but this is a war. If we were to cut and run things will get alot worse for the whole world. It would be nice to hear and see the good things that have happened because of the WAR ON TERROR. Try to be alittle unbiased. I know it hard for you guys at NBC.

Al Story,Sioux Falls, SD (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:36 AM)

Dear Mr. Engel. Your bravery and courage are commendable. The objectivity, honesty, and the feeling you put into your reporting are evident. Thank you for great reporting and please stay safe. My prayers go with you and all who serve in the Iraq Theatre.

Luella Digerness Moorhead, MN (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:42 AM)

Thank you for doing your job with conviction and compassion. You have caused us to look deeper. Godspeed.

The McQueen Family (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:42 AM)

richard, you have gone above and beyond as they say. time for you to pack your bags. there is no need to continue until you get your's. this war and war of conflicts could go on for another 1000 years. go home...write another book...live. cover something pleasant like the rose bowl parade; there will always be a war somewhere if you feel the need to risk it all again.

rick, cincinnati (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:44 AM)

Richard, my 20 year old son is one his second year-long tour in Baghdad. He called yesterday. They just lost five guys. Three to and IED and two to sniper fire. I desperately want to go be with my son, help him, bring him back, anything. Your journal helped me visualize what's actually going on over there. I get the "mom" stories of course. I appreciate your honesty in describing what's going on in Iraq.

Tammy Klein-Owen, Prague, OK (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:45 AM)

Another typical Liberal push to highlight the worst of things. First off, it's a war, people die, don't get into the bed of our enemy when we're attacking and then cry about people getting killed. You bed down in the heart of Baghdad, where you know the government is going to use you as a shield (do things from the same hotel in other words), expect to be fired on. Second, what a crock of a title "I’ve seen so many ugly things". I'd like just once, one of you liberal bleeding hearts to admit for once the good things that are going on (I can guarantee you'd never right an article "I've seen so many great things". For once right a big article and doing a big documentary on the good things going on. But no, then your liberal bias wouldn't be evident. I'm so sick of NBC and its affiliates. You are one the of the biggest factors in demoralizing our troops, and distorting what's going on. I wish you well, and hope you come home safe (unlike you I'd guess, who would rather catch a soldiers death on film, so you can report it and say how bad it is), just for once would like you to show both sides of the story.

Erik Rogers, Broomfield, CO (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:49 AM)

You are undoubtedly the bravest reporter in the history of the profession. Bush and Cheney should see first hand what you have seen, but I forget they "had other priorities." God be with you Mr. Engel.

James Richards (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:54 AM)

Richard, you have done more in your diary to bring attention to PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) than any medical journal written. You have given it a name and a face. I salute you for your courage. I am sorry your marraige was a casualty of your passion. Please when this is behind you, get professional help to deal with your PTSD. I waited over 30 years to deal with mine. Robert Addieg Vietnam Veteran

Robert T. Addieg New York, New York (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 10:58 AM)

Look at me! Look at me! I am risking my life to bring you this very important report! I won't tell you, however, that the Soldiers and Marines that are risking their life to protect me deserve ALL the credit. As a journalist I am WAY more important than they are!

Mike, Longmont, Colorado (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:00 AM)

Richard we all thank you for your reporting on war in Iraq. However, war is war and allways will be about killing humans. If you are not up to it, and it seems to me you are maybe inclinned to cover other soft tings you should not do it. It is time for real men to cover war events. You Richard, you should report from a holiday resort were you can take a nap on the beach and not afraid to be killed.

radu ciubuc, el paso, tx (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:02 AM)

Great job of presenting this war as it really is not as Bush wants us to see it may God be with you and protect you and our brave troops. George W. Bush has not only spent all of his political capital and is trying to borrow more, but is spending the monetary capital of every man, woman, and child in the United States for a complete lost cause. I have a son (my only child) who will be over there soon in the infantry and may lose his life in a war based on lies from the administration of George W. Bush the most inept and bungling president this country has ever seen. His legacy will be written with the blood and useless loss of life of the men and women of the military he sent over to Iraq and of the many innocent people in Iraq who have lost their lives including many reporters because of his inefficiency and blind resolve to not listen to the people of the United States but to play dictator. Richard keep the great reporting we need to know the real truth about what is going on in Iraq. May you come home safely.

Jim, Springfield MIssouri (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:10 AM)

Richard, thank you for the courage you've displayed over the last four years; it is appreciated. It's unfortunate, however, that the American press didn't tell, much earlier; say 2003-2004, of the human toll that this war has caused. In 2007, the majority of Americans now know that the Iraq War is lost. Oh how much more valuable it would have been to read and hear your stories when the Bush Administration was painting such rosy pictures of our progress and success.

B. Daniels (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:16 AM)

Richard, your documentary just adds more validty to the fact that Iraq has gone from 'bad' to 'worse'. I felt extremely emmotional after reading your diary, and I sincerly hope you decide to do the smart thing, the life preserving decison: leave Iraq. This War has turned out to be an injustice on the World because it not only has made Iraq a war-zone, but the civil war seen in Iraq has become a catalyst for other countries to awaken a once dormant hatred for one another, the elimination of Sunni's or Shi'at's, both believed on both fronts for the good of Islam. I myself am off Iranian roots, born and raised in England, now living in Florida, and am a non-religious Shi'at Muslim, who believes in God, yet I define all religions as the downfall of society, or better yet, marketing campaigns to create monopolies. Lebanon has begun to see this same civil war issues, and due to the wide spreadout of Muslims all over the world (England, France, Germany, USA, etc.), both having both sects of Islam, my biggest fear is civil wars on our own soil due to the fact that the catalyst (Iraq) will just continue to enrage Sunni's and Shi'at's alike, and result in the arrogant belief in each sect that, "Mine's better than yours'", possibly resulting in the emimination of one of the two sects, then different religions, and then it will be just like the 13th century Crusades again (even worse) God's speed Richard, and I wise you the best

Kambiz Zand, Naples, FL (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:17 AM)

Dear Richard, I watched your documentary last night and was glued to the TV. My only son is Sniper in the Marines and in Haditha Iraq right now. I emailed him this morning and told him that after seeing horrific sights I saw on TV, my heart goes out to all of you who see it in person. That vision doesn't just go away. I am truly glad you brought it to us and showed in your film just how it is. As a parent it helps me better understand why my son "wants to talk to a professional" when he comes back. Thank you for keeping your journal and sharing it with us.

Claudia Wolff, Waller, Texas (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:19 AM)

Richard, Thank you for your work. Two suggestions if I may be so bold to ask. First, you need to get with Patrick Cockburn, an independent reporter who is not embedded, not regurgitating what the militaary is saying, and is getting far more indepth coverage than nearly every other reporter there. I highly reccommend this. Second. Please STOP calling the Iraqi citizens "insurgents". They are not foreign forces, they are regular Iraqi citizens who are sick and tired of watching their friends and relatives getting killed by US and British forces who occupied their country against their will. If we're going to report this, than lets at least be honest about who they really are. Thank you

David Eccles, Lompoc CA (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:22 AM)

One other thing. Ignore what Erik Rogers said. He's a heartless, ignorant idiot.

David Eccles (Sent Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:24 AM)

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Learn more about the ethnic, religious and political power plays in and around Iraq during a briefing of the region led by NBC’s Richard Engel.

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